Synthesis of fatty alcohols by hydrogenation of palm esters using rhenium-based catalysts supported on Niobia, Alumina and Titania
Hydrogenolysis of esters to fatty alcohols (FA) investigated using Re catalysts with different supports. First, the catalysts were prepared through incipient wetness impregnation and characterized. The catalysts were tested at different temperatures and pressure. The catalysts supported on Al2O3, Nb2O5 showed faster conversion rates. However, the selectivity to FA decreases during the reaction favoring hydrocarbons (HC) production, especially at higher temperatures. The Re/TiO2 catalyst obtained a higher selectivity of 93.8% in FA and a conversion of 92% at 280 ºC.